Into the Endless

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Calibans End

Into the Endless

Paul Francis Stewart


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Into the Endless


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Stewart, Paul, 1966 - .Calibans End. Book Two: Into the Endless

Typeset in 14 pt Times New Roman

This is a work of fiction. Characters, institutions and nations mentioned in this novel are the product of the authors imagination.

First published 2008 by lulu.com

Copyright Paul Francis Stewart 2009

The author hereby asserts his moral rights.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise

without prior permission from the author.

Cover photograph Cascada by Ariadna, 2005http://www.morguefile.com


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This book is dedicated to

My mother Pauline Stewart,artistic in every sense of the word

My mother-in-law Helene,after editing the first book,

I hope you can simply enjoy the second

My window-buddy Jayne-Louise,sorry for all the interruptions

but thanks for all the support

and my brother Michael not all twins want to kill each other


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War is not its own end, except in some catastrophic slide into absolutedamnation. Its peace thats wanted. Some better peace than the one you

started with.

Lois McMaster Bujold, "The Vor Game", 1990


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Dramatis Person

ACORACATE AUDREY, an Almoner

FRANKLIN BAFFIN, a BoatswainJIMM HAWKINS, a Seaman

JEHENNA CANNA, the Consul for AcoranMAELDUNE CANNA, the Minister for Justice

SIMEON KALLADY, the Captain of The Fortitude

ANKARAN RAMA TA, the Consul for Ankara

CABAL ARGAS

KLEESTOSUCCELLOS

THE MORRIGU

THE RYUGINCAQUIKKI

TAWHAWKI FALL, the Consul for Caquix

CEPHALONIAN BORMANUS COLE, the Ambassador for Cephalonia

CESSAIRIAN PORENUTIOUS WINDLE, a Bureaucrat

TIBERIUS LLYR, Lord Chamberlain of the Myr


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GHUL

CHABRIEL, a Major CRADDOCK, a Soldier DRABELLA, a Major

LUCETIOUS, a Lieutenant

HELYAN CEPHALUS SILENUS, a Synaesthete

PYLOS CASTALIA, the General of the Helyan Army

KEELII DENAYUMA

KHEPERAN SAUL HADITH, a Paladin

SEFAR HADITH, the Consul for KheperaTHE STRETCHER, a Magistrate

KOLPIAN KALI

KOMPIRAN MAMORU OCHI, a Steward

MABBIT TAGTUG

MORGAI ADDISON COLE

REMIEL GRAYSONLILITH CORTESE

NESSAN FATHER GIDEON, a PriestJOLON BLIGH, an Old Man

PRYDERI ARINNA BRINE, a WitchLARA BRAND, a Witch


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SAPPHYRRO

AKAMPA LODD, the Ambassador for Skyfall TownTRYPP ELAN, the Consul for Skyfall Town

SESSYMIRIAN LOKASENNA HAGEN, the Foreman of Strom Mir Mine

SCORIAN CALIBAN GRAYSON, a Scholar

DOMINIC WORSELEY, a Blacksmith

SIR EDGAR WORSELEY, a Knight

SPRIGGAN MULUPO, a Merchant

SUSANESE MATSUO KIMURA, a Scientist

SUMI KIMURA, the Consul for Susano

TAMUAN SELA NOYE, the Consul for Tamu

TETHRAN GUNTHER ROSS, the Consul for Tethra

TUATHAN GERRIOD BLAKE, the Captain of The Crimson Dawn

TUIRRENIAN WILL STOOPS, an Archer


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The story so far

housands of years ago the people of the Myr locked away theworlds evil creatures in a subterranean realm known as theEndless. For centuries, the Myr was untroubled by these creatures,

but the evil never went away. It was only hidden...

Gideon Grayson lies dying. As is the way of his kind, one of his children

is destined to inherit his mystical powers.Plagued by dreams in which his twin brother Caliban throws theworld into chaos, Gideons son Remiel seeks out a seer by the name of Lilith Cortese who confirms his worst fears. Hoping to avoid the futureCortese described, Remiel poisons his brother with an apothecary's potionwhich gives Caliban all the symptoms of leprosy.

On a ship bound for Sanctuary, a leper colony on an island in LakeErras, Caliban escapes by jumping overboard, taking with him the shipscaptain, Gamelyn Blake. Caliban and Gamelyn are swallowed up by the

Worldpool, a churning vortex in the middle of the vast lake. Concernedfor Gamelyns son Gerriod, Remiel administers a potion to the boy,making him forget the terrible events of that day.

Thirty years pass.

In the land of Camulos, the Kobolds break through to the Endless whilstmining for shatterstone, inadvertently granting the ancient evil known asthe Ghul access to the Myr. Now led by Caliban Grayson, the Ghul stripCamulos of all its shatterstone and round up every single Kobold. TheKobolds are taken into the Endless where a creature called Succellos usesher unique power to rob them of their free will, reducing the once proudrace to mindless slaves. The Kobolds spend the next year digging,opening breaches throughout the Myr. The Kobolds also unearth theCabal, terrifying behemoths that were buried deep in the Endless eonsago.

One such beast, the Morrigu, attacks the peaceful hamlet of SkyfallTown, the first of many Myrran settlements to be threatened by the Cabal.

A short distance to the west, Gerriod Blake is transporting suppliesto Sanctuary when he is attacked by lepers trying to escape the colony.He manages to fend off the lepers attack but in the process is swept intothe great vortex now known as Calibans End.

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Gerriod survives his fall into the Endless. He finds his father boundto a crucifix but is unable to free him. Informed of Calibans plans tosubjugate the world above, Gerriod flees the Endless, unaware that hisescape is all part of a much greater plan.

Caliban sends a battalion of Ghul to the Bregon Woods where thewitches of Morae dwell. The witches known as the Pryderi share aunique bond with their offspring and Caliban exploits this in a terribleway. His troops abduct the Pryderi young over a protracted period. Asthe months pass more and more witches submit to Caliban's request that

they join him in the Endless.The Pryderi send Lara Brand to the Isle of Grisandole in the hopethat she may find a grimoire known as the Incanto, a tome that wouldgive the witches the power to defend themselves against the Ghulsrelentless attacks. Lara fails to find the book and is assaulted by the Ghulon the isle. She escapes and is picked up at sea by an Acoran sea captain

by the name of Simeon Kallady.Calibans forces search the Myr for the whereabouts of his brother.

A Kompiran boat is attacked by the sea beast known as the Ryugin. Thetown of Marshmead is invaded by the Ghul. Similarly in the lands of Acoran, Ankara, Kolpia, Helyas and Sessymir, the Ghul and Cabal maketheir presence known.

An Assembly of Nations is convened. Representatives of almostevery Myrran nation attend, hoping to find the means to stop the evil thathas crept into the world. After much discussion, the Myrrans, hoping toavoid all-out war, agree to send three assassination squads into theEndless to kill Caliban.

One squad, led by a Sessymirian by the name of Lokasenna Hagen,will journey north to the mine of Strom Mir in Nilfheim. Another squad,led by the politician Maeldune Canna, will head across the Nessan Sea tothe Myrs eastern continent and enter the Endless via Caliban's End. Thethird company will be led by Jehenna Canna, the Consul of Acoran. Thisgroup will make their way to Lucien where thousands of Myrrans havealready died in battle with the Ghul.

On the eve of the squads setting out from Cessair, they receive their first loss - the great hero Bannick Landen is killed.

The story continues the following morning...


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Chapter One Acoran Way, Eastern Landing

here is no way Im going in that thing !Sela stood, hands on hips, with a look of disdain fixed on theface beneath her colourful mask. The thing was a six foot

square, hempen carriage with an oakaen floor. In Selas eyes, it did notlook like it was capable of carrying the weight on the entire squad. It wassuspended beneath a monstrous bobug which clung upside-down to the

roof of the cavern eighty feet above. The bobug looked like a beetle, dark and shiny, but it was ten thousand times bigger than any six-leggedcreature Sela had seen on the Tamu Plains. The beast was to carry thesquad into the black reaches of the vast underground tunnel known as theAcoran Way.

Jehenna scoffed at Selas diffidence. Have you no stomach for heights, or is it fear of the dark which unsettles you? Or perhaps youdlike a bigger basket?

Although Jehenna was being sarcastic, she was actually right on all

three counts. Selas world was one of wide, flat expanses where heightwas measured by the length of a spear or by the long blades of thesavannah grasses. Tamu was a land of sun-filled days and at night the

phosphorescent grasslands would glow until the morning sun. She hadrarely experienced true darkness, and now she was about to plungeheadlong into it. Sela spent her days surrounded by space and warmthand was a little alarmed by the thought of spending three days careeringthrough the cold dark under the Acoran Ranges confined to a tinycarriage.

Are you scared of the bobug? Jehenna added unnecessarily.The bobug was not the issue; like all Tamuans, Sela shared a highly

empathic relationship with most beasts and trusted them above mostintelligent bipedal lifeforms such as her squad leader.

Sela disliked the tone in Jehennas voice and strode up to theAcoran, her head tilted right back to look her in the eye. Unfortunatelyfor Sela, it was one of those moments when a retort would not be thoughtof until long after the opportunity to reply had passed. Instead shegrimaced at Jehenna, a gesture that was completely hidden behind the her large mask. This done, she walked back from the edge of the platform to

brood.

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CALIBANS END18

They were standing atop a small, wooden dock that was suspended byropes high above a dark expanse under which lay a bubbling mire. Thesulphuric stench from the black ooze was overwhelming.

Welcome to the Acoran Way, one of the engineering wonders of theAcora! Jehenna proudly announced with her left arm swinging around ina grand gesture to indicate the space above and below them.

The Acora built this cavern? Tawhawki asked, his question lacedwith doubt.

Well, no actually, Jehenna said, clearly annoyed by the question.

But what we did do is design the means to traverse the space. It is 200leagues between here and Harvagor at the western end. Over 5,000 ironrings have been laid in the cavern roof. It took countless Acora fiftyyears to complete the job. Over 150 workers died in the course of thattime. It took as many years to train the bobug to use the rings.

Bormanus stepped forward and gazed up at the creature above. Heflicked back his long, white hair and pouted his lips like a teenage girl.Into the abyss on the back of a bug! That doesnt exactly fill me withconfidence, he muttered self-indulgently. Im putting my life in the

hands of a dumb beast.Surprisingly, it was Sela who came to the bobugs defence. Firstly,she doesnt have hands. She holds onto the rings above with hooks at theends of her limbs. Secondly, shes not dumb. But she is nervous. Shedoesnt like the dark. Contrary to what the Acora believe, its not the

promise of food at the other end of the tunnel that keeps her going. Itsthe light. She knows that when she gets across the Way, you will let her graze in the sun.

Jehenna was astounded. How do you know that? she asked Selasuspiciously.

Its the way of my people, Sela replied giving Jehenna noindication that she wanted to discuss it further.

Jehenna turned to Bormanus who was still gazing doubtfully into thedarkness before them. The passage below and before us is not an abyss.Hundreds of feet below us lies a stagnant pool we simply call the Mire. Itis the source of this stench and runs the entire length of the Way. Youwill get accustomed to the smell.

The entire squad gazed at Jehenna with disbelief. This was not asmell to which one became accustomed.

Jehenna lifted her gaze to the roof of the cavern. Her name is Ema.She is one of five bobugs we use to cross the Way.

The bobugs chitinous skin shone in the glow of the morning that poured in through the entrance to the Way. Closer inspection revealedthat the bobugs exoskeleton was actually translucent and the morning


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suns light hinted at organs, veins and muscle just under the creaturescasing. Its size and weight were immense and yet it hung from the rings

by six limbs thinner than Bormanus waifish arms. As Sela hadmentioned, each limb ended in giant, smooth hooks.

You should feel honoured, Jehenna continued. You will be thefirst karbish ever to ride

Whats a karbish ? Rama asked.Anyone who is not Acora is karbish, Jehenna replied.Why do I feel a little insulted by that? Sela sneered.

You feel insulted because you are intimidated by our achievements.It is not the wish of the Acora that other races feel inferior, but we can dolittle to change such a reaction.

Of all the arrogant, egocentric things to say. The Acora have to bethe

Will we have to put up with that smell the whole way? askedBormanus.

How are we going to all fit in the basket? asked Tawhawki.Has anyone ever fallen into the Mire? asked Rama.

Jehenna was stunned. She was accustomed to Acoran troops whonever questioned anything and never complained. Here she was,apparently accompanied by the Myrs elite, and already she was wishingshe had not agreed to lead the squad. So far, the only member of her squad who hadnt bothered her with comments, queries and criticismswas Kali, the mute Kolpian, but he had more than made up for his silence

by standing on her foot twice.Jehenna took a breath and dealt with the last question she was given.

Yes Rama, over the years many have fallen into the Mire. None areunchanged by the experience. The river of mud below you is notsomething youd want to get close to. Its vapours will put you to into theheaviest of sleeps.

Rama smiled broadly. That doesnt sad too bad. In fact, I coulduse a good nap.

This is not a slumber from which you would easily wake. Shouldyou be woken by another, you would have no memory of your previouslife. There were many Acoran engineers a century ago who justwandered the lands after falling to the Mire. They had forgotten wheretheir homes were. Forgotten their families. There is no recovery, nocure.

How long are we going to be hanging above this wonderfulmudpond? asked Sela.

It will take us three days to make the crossing.


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CALIBANS END20

Above them, the roof of the entrance to the Acoran Way was bathed ingolden light as the suns first rays reached out from the far horizon.Looking eastward, the mouth of the cavern offered one of the mostglorious views in the Myr: the crimson waters of Lake Cessair glittered asmorning light skipped across its surface. Far across the lake, silhouettedagainst the rising run, the majestic spire of Cessair Tower rose into thesky like the mainmast of a ship. To the right of the cavern entrance, thesouthern mountains of the Acoran Ranges curled around the lake

maternally. A flock of red larida wheeled in the air and one by one brokeformation to dive into the lake to retrieve a scaly breakfast of carpu fromits depths.

Beneath the entrance, a shining bluestone path could be seen leadingup from the waters edge where a collection of small boats lay moored.

The cavern itself had no floor. The path from the lake led up to thegangway upon which the unlikely collection of assassins stood. WhenSela first stepped onto the gangway, it rocked and bounced to such adegree that she fell to her knees, much to the disgust of Jehenna who

strode purposefully across the gangway to the hanging platform below the bobug.The gangway had also posed problems for Tawhawki. The weight

of his massive six-legged body made the timbers of the gangway bendslightly. Halfway along the suspended pathway, one of Tawhawkishooves split a plank and his hind leg fell straight through. The gangway

pitched violently to one side but Tawhawki managed to keep his balancelong enough to regain his hooves. Unfortunately, all the provisions theCaquikki consul was carrying slid from his broad back and made asoundless decent to the noxious mud below.Surprisingly, blind Rama had no issues with the gangway at all. Hissense of balance was more finely tuned than any Acoran, and despite thelack of railings or guide-ropes, he made the trip across to the platformwithout a single misstep.

Jehenna had coaxed everyone but Tawhawki to leap across from thegangway to the carriage. The six foot gap did give rise to morecommentary than she had hoped, but now she had all but one member of her squad in the hempen basket, Jehenna felt she was actually gettingsomewhere. She was indebted to Kali who picked up Sela and jumpedacross to the carriage despite her protestations. Selas screams bouncedoff the cavern walls and Jehenna found herself momentarily envying theKolpians deaf state.


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Tawhawki looked critically at the gap between the hanging platformand the carriage. Excuse me, but did anyone actually think about howIm supposed to get over there? I dont think this arrangement was madewith Caquikki in mind.

All stared blankly about the carriage. It seemed ridiculously smallcompared to Tawhawkis large body. Tawhawki stamped one of his fronthooves in frustration.

Ah, a golden moment for Myrran bureaucracy! laughed Selascornfully from the carriage. One squad go galloping off on snorses

across the open fields of Scoriath, but which team gets the Caquikki?The one traversing hanging walkways and leaping across endless pits intotiny baskets! Public officials dont you love them?

Excuse me, my good fellows. Do we have a problem? Out of theshadows stepped the rotund, purple-clad figure of Porenutious Windlewho had silently made his way up the gangway.

Hmm, lets see, smirked Sela who had always held Windle in lowregard. We have a small, hempen basket hanging over there and wehave a 200 pound Caquikki standing here. Small basket, big gap, large

Caquikki. Somehow, I dont think its going to work.Porenutious dabbed his bald head with his handkerchief. Althoughthe sun had just risen, he was sweating already. The short walk up fromthe lake was enough to start a process of perspiration that would continueuntil Windle placed his head on his pillow at days end. Yes, yes,maam. I see you do have a point, he said weakly. Perhaps if weHe had no solutions so he looked away pretending he had not started thesentence.

Jehenna frowned. Mr Windle, why are you here?Windle smiled wanly and stepped forward purposefully as if to make

an important announcement. I am here for two reasons. Firstly, theChamberlain sent me to make sure you got away safely. He lookedabout at the blank stares. The company was clearly unimpressed withthis display on interest. They had more pressing matters to attend to.

And the second reason? Jehenna said plainly, folding her arms in ashow of annoyance. Windles appearance was not part of her scheduleand she was not a person who deviated from schedules easily.

Windle looked at the boards of the landing beneath his feet. Helicked his lips and cleared his throat. This nervous preamble unsettledJehenna. Something had happened. Windle was the bearer of bad news.I bring you sad news, he said, his reluctant voice echoing across thecavern.

What news? said Jehenna.We have incurred our first casualty, Porenutious replied.


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CALIBANS END22

Already? remarked Sela, startled and anxious over the news.Who has been lost? Jehenna queried. As she asked her mind

quickly flicked through the members of the other assassination squads.She quickly dismissed proven fighters such as Pylos, Bannick and Sir Edgar. She thought of the more vulnerable individuals that accompaniedthese warriors: the priest, the fisherman, the politician. Maeldune? shesaid with panic rising in her voice. Is Maeldune okay?

As far as I know, Consul, Windle responded respectfully.Then who? Sela exclaimed.

Bannick Landen was found dead this morning at the base of Cessair Tower.It was numbing news. Bannicks reputation was such that many

regarded him as almost invincible. Even those who did not know himwere shocked, and those that did Rama, Tawhawki, Sela and Jehenna were stunned into speechlessness. Bannick Landen was simply notsomebody one could picture as being dead. It was impossible to think of him and not be swept up in images of vitality. Bannick was oftendescribed as being larger that life and now he was dead. The fact

seemed to contradict itself.Finally after a long silence, Jehenna asked, Who did this? Her voice was dry and constricted, as if she had not spoken for days.Although her husband was no fan of Bannick, she had always admired hisuncompromising manner and the energy that characterized his approachto everything he did and said.

The politician in Windle responded to the awkward situation. Thishighlights the threat we pose to Caliban. It highlights the importance of our mission and

Who did this? Jehenna repeated.We do not know Windle said rather meekly.Forget your political spin Mr Windle. What it highlights is that we

are compromised. I doubt it was a Ghul soldier who killed Bannick. Hewas not one to be vanquished so easily. It would have been someone hetrusted or had no reason to fear. She turned to the rest of the squad. Sothe first of us has fallen. This should drive home the point that we are atwar. This is no afternoon stroll we are on. I suggest we put aside our

petty concerns and stop our squabbling. She looked at Tawhawki. It istime for us to measure up to the obstacles that are before us. It is time for us to act as consuls, elected to serve the people of the Myr because we arethe best of our kind.

Tawhawki stepped forward to the edge of the hanging landing. Hishooves clip-clopped on the boards and echoed around the chamber. Inother words, jump into the damn basket, he said plainly.


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Precisely, she replied.

Tawhawkis torso lent forward and his fist clenched as he reared up onhis two back legs. His muscled were like knots of steel rope as his bodytensed. Without another moments hesitation he thrust his great equine

body out across the gap.Sela screamed at the sight of the bulk of the Caquikki hurtling at the

carriage, like a hooved cannonball. Startled by the cry, the bobug pitched

forward. The basket also swung forward much to Tawhawkis dismay.He shot out a thick arm and just managed to snag one of the mooringlines. His weight was such that the entire carriage listed to one side andSela was flung from it out into the blackness below. Her hands flayed theair and had it not been for Tawhawkis tail, she would have disappearedinto the black.

Tawhawki yelped in pain and Sela screamed even louder. The bobug rocked forward again, keen to leave the noise behind.

Trying to be forceful and quiet at the same time, Sela growled

through clenched teeth, Would you give me a hand here, Tawhawki?I do not have a hand to spare, he growled back. He could not holdon much longer. He imagined the muscles in his arms were on the vergeof ripping. They were not designed to bear his bodys considerableweight. The added weight of the Tamuan thrashing about as she held histail was more than he could take. He looked up to see the concerned faceof Kali peering over the edge of the carriage.

Get her off me! he mouthed to the Kolpian, exaggerating eachsyllable in the hope the deaf brute would understand. He wasnt leftwondering long, for in the next instant, Kali leant out of the basket andreached past Tawhawki for the frenzied figure of Sela Noye who wasdoing nothing to make her situation better.

She glanced at Kalis extended arm, but it was well short of her own.I cant reach it! she cried.

Climb up, Sela! You have to move! Get on my back! Tawhawkiflicked a glance over his back and realised that Sela was prepared to hangon his tail until she or he dropped. She waved one hand around butmade no attempt to climb up his tail onto his back.

He had no choice but to buck. Although the absence of solid ground beneath his hooves meant Tawhawkis kick had little power in it, it wasenough to send Sela flying high enough into the air for Kali to grab her hand. Sela was swung up into the carriage and unceremoniously dumpedon the floor. Her yelping throughout this manoeuvre did nothing to calmthe bobug and the skittish, giant creature lurched forward again.


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CALIBANS END24

Tawhawki used the bobugs momentum to swing himself up to the side of the carriage which he clung onto for dear life. His six legs kickedfrantically in the air, unable to find a purchase that would help him upinto the basket.

Jehenna wasted no time in slinging one of the free mooring linesaround Tawhawkis torso. She locked this rope around a bitt at the frontof the carriage. With this secured, she could attend to hauling the hugeCaquikki into the carriage. Rama and Kali helped her do this whilst Selaand Bormanus backed up against the other side of the carriage, bracing

themselves for the impact of Tawhawkis heavy body upon the carriagesthin, oakaen floor.

Jehenna grabbed a rope that led up to a muzzle around the bobugsspherical head. Lets go Ema, she said softly as she gave the rope agentle tug. The bobug moved off slowly.

Soon the bright light of the cave entrance was lost behind a turn inthe cavern and to Selas delight, she was not enshrouded in darkness. A

soft, warm light fell from above. It was coming from the bobug. The bobug mates at night, Jehenna explained. It uses this light to attract amale. We found that by keeping the female without a mate, it will glowwhenever it finds itself in darkness. Their blood has a luminescentquality. Before the coming of the shatterbugs, the Acora used bobug

blood to light our cities, our shipping beacons and this passage under themountains. However, without the sun to replenish it, the bobug cantmaintain the glow for more than a few days. If we dont reach thewestern landing in three days, well be in darkness.

Tawhawki, clearly annoyed with how the mission had unfolded thusfar, voiced his concerns. Now this is a deal that just keeps on getting

better! he groaned. Here we are tied onto the back of the slowest,loneliest bug in the Myr. Three days! You said its two hundred leaguesto the other side. Itll take weeks to get there at this speed.

Jehenna gave a saturnine smile. Oh we wont stay at this speed for long. She gestured to the roof of the cavern. In the amber glow of the

bobug, they could see that further up the cavern the size and layout of therings changed. Instead of single small rings close together, the track wasdefined by pairs of larger rings much further apart. The bobug wascoming to the end of the single rings. Id find something to hold onto if I were you, Jehenna warned, looping a length of hempen rope around her forearm.

As she said it, the whole carriage pitched to the front. Above them,Ema was coiling back on her rear legs as if to spring.


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And then they were off. With her fore limbs extended, the bobughooked onto the two larger rings in front of her. In the same movement,her hind limbs drew up, hooked onto the same rings and thrust her forward. This galloping motion would be maintained for the journey.Ema would not be rested until they had reached the far side of the Way.

Despite Jehennas warning, everyone else in the basket was caughtoff guard. Had there been more room in the basket they would have beenflung out of it, but Tawhawkis body walled them in. Sela found herself

buried between his hind quarters. Tawhawkis tail brushed against the

Tamuan and a rather noxious smell gripped her face.Thats disgusting! Thats worse than the mud below! sheexclaimed.

Well I didnt ask you to put your face there! Tawhawki replieddefensively.

I dont mean to be a bother, but is someone standing on my foot?Rama inquired, with the gentility of a priest.

Although he hadnt heard the question, Kali noticed that his largefoot was squashing the blind mans toes. His sweet eyes conveyed an

apology and he swivelled around to free Ramas foot. As he did so, heaccidentally sent one of his elbows into the back of Selas skull.Ouch! I dont believe this! she cried as she bent over in pain,

exposing her quills. Kali tried to move himself into a position wherebyhe wouldnt step on or collide with the others in the basket but achievedthe opposite. His shoulder collected Bormanus in the face and he wentreeling backwards into several of the quills splayed out along Selasspine. His girlish shriek shot through the cavern like an arrow.

Jehenna brought one hand up to her temples rubbing them as if to relievea severe migraine. She knew this was going to be a very long trip.


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CALIBANS END26

Chapter Two The Stone Forest, Tethra

ylos had taken Bannicks death hard. He wanted to lash out atsomeone, strike a blow for vengeance, but he had no target. He wasnow sure the Kompiran waitress was a hired assassin, but he had left

the hunt for her to others. He had a mission to complete and as much ashe wanted to find Bannicks killer, others duties had to come first.

Who had hired her? Caliban? If so, why? To send them a message?

Pylos did not know. And so he slung his rucksack upon his back andstrode out from Cessair in the early hours of morning followingMaeldune Canna, the ill-respected leader of his company.

Their route was straight-forward enough they would head south-east, across the Cessairs fields of flowerfall until they reached the StoneForest of Tethra. From there they would head east across the regionknown as the Ganesa Plateau. Pylos reckoned they would reach the cityof Brigantia otherwise known as Murdertown within a week if theywere not delayed.

The Helyan had little hope that they would pass through Tethrawithout incident. Even if they managed to avoid the Ghul and the Cabal,there were other things to worry about. The Stone Forest was a popular

place for Tethran bandits to attack travellers on the road from Cessair toBrigantia and these criminals were capable of putting to task even askilled soldier such as himself. Then there was the local fauna toconsider: blue-skinned lizacks with their long tusks and unpredictabletemperaments; herds of wild barga capable of trampling the company if startled; horned, three-legged carnopods, and thick flocks of savagedurnodaws that could kill a man in a second. Tethra was not a pleasant

place to visit.Even the local Tethrans were best-avoided. They were not a

people who welcomed strangers and Maeldune Cannas squad was asstrange a collection of visitors as could be imagined. They drew their snorses to a halt as they reached the end of the languid fields of flowerfallthat signalled the border of Tethra.

At their head rode Maeldune, tall and sombre. His sharp eyes shonelike the many jewels on his hands as he stared across the small river thatseparated them from the Stone Forest. He was looking for the narrowopening in the forest that marked the start of the Brigand Road, theominously named route through the mass of granite obelisks that coveredthe landscape ahead in thick clumps.

Behind him rode the Kheperan Sefar Hadith, who was just asresplendent in his flowing silk robes of brilliant white. His huge body

P


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looked ungainly upon his snorse and it showed signs of relief when hedismounted to stretch his legs.

Remiel Grayson also climbed down from his mount, taking pains tomake sure his cloth veil was still fixed over his face. He had said little tohis companions since leaving the city of Cessair and they had respondedin kind, leaving the priest to travel in silence.

By contrast, the boorish Tethran sea-captain Gunther Ross had notstopped talking since they had set out that morning. He talked mainlyabout himself and much of this talk was devoted to his proud descriptions

of all the metal he had grafted to his skin. In the late afternoon sun, histarnished metal shone like a corroded brass statue.Behind Gunther rode the mariner Gerriod Blake who bit at his lip

nervously as his snorse came to a halt. The red-headed Tuathan hadnever ridden a snorse before and had found the fast-paced ride across theflowerfall fields to be a harrowing experience.

The Sapphyrran Trypp Elan rode beside Gerriod. Although he toohad never ridden a snorse until that morning, he did not struggle with hissituation the way Gerriod had. Years of climbing the cliffs around the

Skyfall had honed his sense of balance to the point that staying perchedupon a snorse was no great challenge to him. This is not to say he lookedat home on his mount. The sight of a blue-skinned, shelled rider on thestalk-eyed snorse was as unlikely as sight as could be imagined on thegentle fields of Cessair.

The tail of the company was brought up by Pylos Castalia astride his proud snorse Lampetia. He had brought her all the way from Helyas butwould soon be separating from her as the Stone Forest was not a place for a snorse. Not only was it difficult for the beasts to traverse the sharpgranite shingles that covered the forest floor like broken glass, but theregion was also home to carnopods which liked nothing more than thetaste of snorse flesh upon their yellow tongues.

Pylos shared his mount with the Spriggan Mulupo whose garrulitywas driving the Helyan mad. Mulupo had talked the entire day. Evenwhen they had stopped for lunch, he followed Pylos around, seeminglyunwilling to let anything bring about a break in his monologue. Pyloshad met other Spriggans but this familiarity did not give him thelinguistic skill to understand half of what Mulupo had said. Despite this,he found himself occasionally amused by his companion, preferring himto the morose, self-important individual who led the squad.

The Brigand Road lies straight ahead, said Maeldune to thecompany. We will cross here, head east until sunset and make camp bythe roadside. If my information is correct, we should be up onto theGanesa Plateau in two days time.


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If were not killed by bandits, Gunther said with a smirk on hisiron-adorned face.

What do you mean? asked Gerriod apprehensively.A small group like this would be no trouble for the local thugs,

Gunther said theatrically. It was clear to everyone but Gerriod he wasrelishing in the opportunity to create an atmosphere of danger. Letshope they dont hear us coming.

But what interest could they have in us? Gerriod protested. Werenot merchants. We have no money.

Oh theyre not interested in money, Gunther replied. Just metal.For getting dressed . He pointed to the broad metal plate embedded inhis chest. From our swords to our spoons, we would be quite a catch for the bandits.

Enough Gunther! said Pylos who could see the unsettling effect theTethran was having upon Gerriod. Were more than a match for your

petty criminals. He turned to the mariner and said, Relax Gerriod. I passed through here a week ago and saw no sign of any bandits.However, I believe it would be wiser to set up camp here on the field and

venture into the Stone Forest in the morning. Weve made good time.There is no need to push on further.Maeldunes eyes flashed. He had suspected that Pylos would

challenge his authority but had not expected such a thing on the first dayout. He marched across to the Helyan with an insincere smile upon hisface. General Castalia, if my memory serves me correctly, you were notgiven command of this mission. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Pylos shrugged off Maeldunes polite sarcasm. You are wrong tosuggest that we continue into the forest tonight.

A tiny twitching of Maeldunes temples betrayed his annoyance butthe Acoran kept his voice calm and his words measured. Your advice though unlooked for is much appreciated General, however we willcontinue on our way until sunset. I realise that you are unaccustomed toreceiving orders, but I am sure your service in the Cessair Guard hasgiven you a healthy respect for the chain of command.

If Pylos was chastened by this rebuke, he did not show it. He simplystared back at the Acoran with cool eyes of blue. Very well, Minister.We shall march until sunset.

Gunther Ross stepped up and joined the conversation beforeMaeldune could end it. Though he was not quite as tall as Maeldune, hehad a much more intimidating presence. The great iron ball that was atthe end of the thick chain that had been engrafted into his right forearmdragged across the grass behind him, leaving a line of squashed flowerfallin its wake. Underneath the slightly rusted metal strip on his forehead, he


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frowned at the Acoran. I know youre meant to be smart, being aminister and all, he scoffed, but you cant think that we can go skippingdown the road to Ganesa and not be noticed.

Remiel Grayson stepped forward to join the discussion. CaptainRoss is right, Minister. Whoever killed Bannick would be watching theroad. Theyre probably watching us now. Perhaps theyve already riddenahead to Ganesa anticipating our route.

Does anyone else have an opinion on this?Mulupo had been sitting on the ground watching a shatterbug

crawling across the flowerfall and seemed to be paying scant attention tothe discussion. But upon hearing Maeldunes unconvincing request tohear other opinions, he jumped up and walked into the centre of the circlethat had formed. The wise priest is of course correct as is our abdominous friend here. He nodded at Gunther who had no idea whatthe word abdominous meant but inferred from it that it was in the samerealm as wise . We would do well to stay off highways and roads.Minister, with all due respect, you seem to be anotic when it comes to this

point of view.

Anotic?Lacking ears. The opinion of the company is quite clear.Pylos turned his back on Maeldune and spoke to the group. I

recommend we circle around the plateau. The Stone Forest stretches far to the east and south. We can use its cover to approach Ganesa from thesouth. There is a path up onto the plateau south of the Scarlet Rock Theatre. From there it is a three day march to Murdertown.

Gunther Ross nodded. In light of what happened to Bannick, itmakes sense to head off in an unexpected direction, but know this itwill still be a dangerous journey. Surviving the perils of the Stone Forestwill be this squads first major victory.

Pylos grinned. Then I hope it will be one of many. Are we agreedthis shall be our route?

There were nods of consent from all in the company bar one.General Castalia, Maeldune said through gritted teeth, we are not inHelyas now. This was not your decision to make.

I did not make the decision, Minister. The squad did. Do you havea problem with the plan?

It is built on weak foundations. You all assume that the secrecy of this mission has been compromised citing Bannicks death as evidence of this, but we do not know for certain that Bannick was even killed.

I beg your pardon, Pylos growled, not liking where Maeldune hadtaken the discussion.


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Pylos, I appreciate that he was your friend, Maeldune said softly,trying not to sound insincere, but he was drunk when I left you two lastnight. For all we know, he just walked straight off the edge of the tower.

Pylos dug his nails into the palms of his hands as he tried to subduethe rage that was building within him. Bannick Landen was a great man.I would caution you to tread carefully when you speak of him.

Maeldune recoiled slightly. The venom in Pylos voice wassomething to be feared. General Castalia, I was merely voicing my pointof view. Perhaps you are too close to this situation to see things clearly.

Pylos fists clenched even tighter. You are a politician, and as suchyou deal in lies and half-truths. This squad has little use for your opinions.

Feeling the tension and not liking it, Trypp Elan decided tocontribute to the discussion. Even the Sapphyrro have heard of Bannick Landen and it would seem that we are the poorer in his absence, but Imust confess to some confusion. I do not understand how singling outone man to be killed could be a strategically wise move on Calibans

behalf. By killing Bannick, hasnt Caliban alerted us to his influence?

Made us more cautious?Perhaps Caliban is playing with us, volunteered Sefar in hischaracteristic deep voice. To give himself an advantage.

Playing? Remiel said, his eyes fixed on the Kheperan. What doyou mean?

Let me explain. As you may know, until recently the tribes of mycountry were constantly at war with one another. We fought with oneanother for so long that often the reasons for the disputes were forgotten.And all the while paladins like me were rewarded handsomely with

jewels, gold and women.Gunther Ross lifted his head and leered, Women? You were

rewarded with women?Kheperan women, Captain.The beauty of Kheperan women was so renowned it was almost a

clich. It did not take much for Gunthers limited imagination to picturethe rewards to which Sefar was alluding. He contemplated living a life asa paladin and from that point on lost all interest in the conversationaround him.

You were saying? said Pylos.Well, the reason the paladins were indulged so comprehensively

was simple. It was compensation for the dangerous role we performed.Our enemies knew that the greatest insult they could deliver a tribe is thedeath of its paladin. By taking out our greatest warrior so easily, Calibanhas taken a significant piece before we have moved any pieces on the


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board. And in doing so, he has weakened our fellowship, making ussuspicious and preoccupied with doubts.

Under his cowl, Remiel blanched. Sefars allusion to Siege openedthe floodgates to a long-forgotten memory

Its your move, Remiel, Caliban stated as he stared across the circular,tiered board that lay on the table before him.

Remiel hunched forward and gasped when he saw it an opening.

He could see that in two moves he could take out Calibans king. Remiel was proud of how quickly he had moved his pieces up the tower whilst Caliban squandered his turns on inconsequential moves in aninconsequential section of the board.

Caliban looked up at his brothers eyes and read what he wasthinking. Youre excited about your impending victory.

Remiel smiled and conceded, Yes, I am. I should have you in twomoves.

You are extremely reliant on that cardinal. Is it wise to put one of

your strongest pieces in such a vulnerable position? Remiels confidence trembled. What do you mean? Vulnerable towhat?

Caliban gave a patronising smile. Vulnerable to this, he said as he spun the board around and moved a keep guard in behind Remiels front line and took out his cardinal. Suddenly that strategic landscape of theboard altered dramatically, and Remiel could see that the unexpected loss of the cardinal had crippled him. He had based his entire gamearound it and the loss of the piece was not only critical it wasembarrassing. He would lose in three moves and there was nothing hecould do about it.

Caliban leant back and placed his hands behind his head. Remiel, you may be the same age as me but you are a novice in the art of deception. It has taken time but I have become the better player.

I shouldnt have relied so much on that cardinal, he said, defeated.True but theres more to it than that. You see, the trick to Siege is

making your opponent think that the decision he is making is not only hisown, but one that his opponent is not expecting. But the fact is, I havebeen steering you towards that spot on the board where you thought youhad me at the advantage.

But how did you know what Id do. I tempted you with absolute victory. You see, in my experience,

people are impatient and if you place the opportunity of a quick and


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unequivocal victory before them, they will rush in and take it. You failed to see the pieces I had been moving in behind you.

How will I beat you now? Remiel laughed. Youre ruthless! No, its not ruthlessness you lack. Its patience. Caliban leaned

forward. Remiel, I think I could wait decades to beat you. How long could you wait?

Were wasting time, Maeldune said bluntly.

I understand your desire for haste, Minister, Remiel said politely,but the longer, less travelled route may be the safer.Pylos smirked provocatively at Maeldune. It is time to decide. You

know the feeling of the squad. What is your decision? Which road do wetake?

Pylos could almost hear the cogs in Maeldunes head whirring andticking as he weighed up the situation. Pylos knew Maeldune was ashrewd politician and could see he did not have the numbers in this.

Maeldune smiled demurely to the group and said, Your idea is

sound. We should stay off the road. Although the Ministers voice wassubdued, Pylos detected a quavering quality to it, and was pleased he hadcontributed to unsettling the Acoran, if only slightly.

Where are the cities now? Remiel asked Gunther Ross who sat oppositehim chewing on a piece of dried meat he had pulled from his rucksack.

On my way here, they were near the southern edge of the plateau,not far from the Scarlet Rock Theatre.

Remiel nodded. He unscrewed the lid of the drum of water he had been carrying for the past two days as they had wound their way throughthe labyrinth of granite obelisks that made up the Stone Forest. He linedup all the flasks he had gathered from the other members of the companyand commenced filling each up. This done, he handed one bottle toGerriod and the other to Gunther. Then we may see them when we makeour way up onto the plateau.

Gunther did not stop eating to respond to Remiel. We may, Father.The cities dont tend to stay in the same spot for much more than a week,so they may have moved on. If were lucky, theyll still be there. TheTethran got up and burped. Excuse me gentlemen, but I must relievemyself. He walked off, quickly disappearing in the shadows the Myrsmoons threw across the landscape.


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Gerriod sat lacing up his boots perplexed by the conversation he had just heard. He turned to Remiel. Father Gideon, can I ask yousomething?

Perhaps, the priest responded without any trace of humour in hisvoice. Gerriod was surprised. He had never heard of a priest being soguarded.

Its about the Ganesa Plateau.Of course, go on.You just asked Captain Ross about the location of the cities on the

Ganesa Plateau and he said they were currently in the south. Now maybeI misunderstood, but how can cities move?You have never been to Ganesa before?Father, I have lived most of my life in a tiny fishing village called

Palia. I doubt youve even heard of it.Palia. Remiel paused, wondering how to answer this. The mention

of Palia was like an incision in his brain, releasing things he had tried tohide there. Of all the unforseen twists and turns life was notorious for,Remiel had never considered he would be sitting down talking to the man

whose father he had condemned to the waters of the Worldpool.

Remiel scrambled his way up to the helm of the boat. He kicked sharplyat the chain caught between the post and the steering wheel. With abject horror, Gerriod realized what he was doing. No! the boy screamed.My father. Youve got to save my father!

Remiel kicked again, and without looking up stated plainly, Your fathers dead, boy. Theres nothing I can do.

Please call me Gideon. Father is so formal.The thing is Gideon that I only been three places in my life.

Palia, where I live now. Murias, where I was sent when my father wentmissing. And the Endless, where my father now is. I dont know muchof the wider world. We dont get a lot of visitors in Palia and the onesthat do come are usually bound for the leper colony.

The mere mention of the leper colony made Remiel shudder.The mariner noticed the involuntary spasm. What is it?Nothing. Just the chill of the evening breeze, Remiel said as he

wrapped his arms around himself to emphasize the point. Gerriod,Ganesa is made up of three cities carved into rocky mesas and these citiesmove across the plateau.

But a city cannot move.


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It can if it is on the back of a Colossi.And what is that?Youve never heard of the Colossi?No, said Gerriod as if he had something to be ashamed of. Ive

lived a fairly sheltered existence.Many millennia ago, long before the Myr had known of the Ghul or

the Morgai, long before the first shelp ate the grass and the marrokshowled at the moons, before time itself began, a race of giants roamed theworld. In fact, giant seems remarkably inadequate as a description as

these creatures are larger than anything we would describe with theword.How big are they? Gerriod gasped amazed that he had lived half a

century and not heard of so wondrous a creature.They have to be seen to be believed.But how can they have cities upon their backs? And why do they

move? What are their names?Gerriod, you ask me questions no Myrran can answer

authoritatively. The mesas on their backs are not part of their bodies.

They are more like a barnacle attached to a ship, albeit one extremelylarge barnacle made of granite and quartz. There are those who believethe Colossi fell into a sleep lasting thousands of years and when theywoke mesas had formed on their backs. Other believe it is some form of

punishment inflicted upon them by gods we know not of.But how did people come to live in these mesas.Beneath his dark veil, Remiel smiled. That I can explain.

Thousands of years ago, the ancestors of todays Tethrans also shared the plateau with the Colossi. The Tethrans of old were peaceful, but the plateau was also home to many aggressors so the Tethrans carved refugesinto the rocky towers that lay on each of the three Colossi. In time, therefuges grew into great cities, defensible during the day and secure atnight.

You sound more like an historian than a priest, Gunther Rosslaughed as he sat down beside Remiel. You know more about Tethrathan I do.

I had a brother who studied history avariciously. He told me thetale of the Colossi and I never forgot it.

Are they intelligent? asked Trypp who had been listening to thestory as he prepared an evening meal of roots and berries for himself.

Its hard to tell, replied Remiel. They certainly do notcommunicate with us, but perhaps they see no need. Do we bother tocommunicate with insects?


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I guess not, Gerriod mused. Tell me, Gideon, what do the Colossilook like?

You will see soon enough.Yes, theyre kind of hard to miss, Gunther added.Trypp looked over at the burly Tethran and asked, Is it true what I

have heard about the night-climbers of Ganesa. Do people really dothat?

Yes, I did it myself, Gunther answered proudly.Trypp couldnt help himself and instinctively stared at the Tethrans

armour-plated paunch. Gunther saw this flickering gaze and understoodit immediately. When I was a younger man, of course! he grunteddefensively, one hand unconsciously stroking his belly as if to reassure it.

Bothered that another item of conversation had arisen that was beyond his knowledge, Gerriod asked brusquely, What are they? Thenight-climbers?

Theyre rock climbers. The Colossi are thousands of feet high.Only a fraction of the height of the Skyfall, but still a prodigious height toclimb.

Gerriod was astounded. Are you saying there are people whoactually climb these things? At night? Whilst theyre moving?Yes, said Gunther fondly, recalling the days when he had the

strength and lapses in sanity to dare such a feat.Trypp turned to Gerriod and conveyed what he knew of the night-

climbers. Many who come to climb the Skyfall talk of their adventuresin Ganesa. That is, those who survive the night-climbs. Every year,hundreds of people die on the shifting faces of the Colossi.

If they climb at night, how do they see? Gerriod was stunned thattheir existed people who would so willingly put their own safety at risk.He felt he had a lot to learn about the wider world.

By the light of the moons, Gunther explained. Or by lamplight oncloudy nights. Its something to see, mariner, the heaving masses of theColossi grinding their way across the plateau as hundreds of tiny lightsinch their way up the sides. I aint no romantic, but it sure is a damn

pretty thing to see.Gerriod was bewildered. But why not climb during the day, when

the Colossi are asleep? Wouldnt that be safer?Now where would the fun in that be? Gunther jeered. He leaned

back on his iron-plated elbows. Id say if all goes well, we should arriveat Scarlet Rock Theatre about midnight in three days time. Theres a fair chance the Colossi will still be there by the time we arrive. We can

purchase some ales from the theatre and go out on the plateau to watchthe fallers


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Fallers? What are they?Mariner, Id reckon the name says it all. You see, theres a bit of a

Tethran past-time to sit out on a cloudy night with a jug of ale and watchthe fallers. When those climbers holding the lamps fall from the Colossi,I swear, theres nothing funnier in the world. He smiled broadly and itwas clear that he truly believed that watching fellow Myrrans fall to agrisly death was a wonderfully satisfying way to spend a few hours.

Trypp looked up at the Tethran in disgust but Gunther was too deepin reverie to notice.

Do you know I once won a small ransom the last time I watched thefallers. You see, we usually hold bets on Captain Ross, I do not want to hear your tale, Trypp said bluntly

and moved away.Well theres no need to be rude, lil blue fella, hollered Gunther

after Trypp, but the Sapphyrran just kept walking.

The walk across the shingled floor of the forest had taken its toll upon the

company and most of them were asleep within an hour of the sun settingon the third day of their journey to Brigantia. Pylos, Trypp and Muluposat around a small fire sipping on hot cups of javo. Mulupo had gone togreat pains to ensure the company had an ample supply of javo beans andwhilst he did not carry them himself that was a job for Pylos he wasmore than happy to share a pot when a brew had been made.

Trypp was massaging his feet. Although the soles were accustomedto rocky surfaces, the sharp rocks that littered the ground on the routewere beginning to impact upon his bare feet and he looked forward toclimbing up onto the plateau to the north where the land was flat and freeof shingles. General Castalia, how far do we have to go until we reachthe Scarlet Rock Theatre?

At least two more days Im afraid, Trypp. Pylos pulled off his boots and examined his own feet there were few places where the skinwasnt blistered. Its a painful road I admit but its also the safest.

Road? Trypp observed with a gentle smile. Its hardly a road!Im sorry but Bannicks murder has highlighted the need for us to

take a harder, less obvious route to Caliban.It has the bouquet of irony, does it not? suggested Mulupo.Excuse me? said Trypp.Its ironic Bannick Landen was killed by an assassin and yet the

reason we are on this peregrination is because that is what we have become assassins.

Im not sure I follow you, Trypp said.


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Were assassins. That is our job isnt it? To assassinate Caliban.Trypp paused. Yes, that is our job, but I I dont see myself as an

assassin. I go to protect my city and its people. I am no assassin.Mulupo shook his head. In Camulos, we believe that our actions

define us, so by definition we are assassins.Pylos could see that Mulupos comment had unsettled Trypp. He

knew it was not Mulupos intention to cause Trypp any consternation butthe look of dismay upon the Sapphyrrans face highlighted the impact thestatement had upon him. Pylos put a hand on Trypps shoulder. Your

motivation is as pure as the waters of the Skyfall, Trypp. Do not doubtyour purpose.I have not considered Mulupos point of view, Trypp responded.

I must think more on this matter.Trypp, let philosophers and theologians debate the righteousness of

our mission in years to come we dont have that luxury. Right now, theMyr bleeds. What we seek to accomplish justifies

The means by which we reach that goal? Im not so sure its thatsimple, General. It never is that simple.

Three days ago, Pylos said gravely, one of my dearest friends lay broken on the paving stone beneath Cessair Tower. I lost many goodmen when the Ghul attacked Sulis. In Morae these vermin abductchildren every night. It is that simple. The salvation of our races lies inour hands. Any hesitation on our part is a betrayal of all those who havefallen already. Im sorry Trypp but I cant allow you to question thevalidity of this undertaking, or your part in it. This is a noble cause.

Pylos had not meant to turn the discussion into a dissertation, but hecould not restrain his words. He looked at Trypp hoping to see some signthat his points had struck a chord with him, but the Sapphyrran just stared

back with tranquil eyes that neither judged nor showed understanding.

It was Pylos who awoke first. He wasnt sure whether he had heardsomething in his sleep or smelt a change about him but he knew before heopened his eyes that they were surrounded. It was still night but a cloudof shatterbugs that hovered about the camp revealed a squad of twentyGhul mounted on skitteriks encircling the company.

So much for taking the safest road, he muttered to himself as hescanned the ghoulish faces of the soldiers staring back at him. Each of the mounted riders bore something that made their presence all the moredisturbing and grotesque. On long bone spears, the Ghul had impaled theheads of the snorses that had borne the company across Cessairs fields of flowerfall. They thrust these spears into the hard ground and drew their


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swords. Pylos heart quickened as he scanned the horrific display for hisown mount but her head was not there. Somehow Lampetia had escaped.

Pylos unsheathed his blade and prepared for battle. The skitteriksnearest him snapped their mandibles as if to show him they were notdaunted by the shining, dark sword in his hands.

Gunther followed his companions lead. He lifted his right arm andswung it above his head. The iron ball that was fixed to the chain that ranfrom the Tethrans forearm was lifted into the air, narrowly missingPylos skull in the process. It whirled around furiously, ready to be

slammed into the nearest assailant.Oh this is just what I need! said a deep voice behind the pair. Sefar had also risen, drawing his scimitar as he rose from his makeshift bedamong the shingles.

Theres nothing like a good scrap, Gunther said as he shifted hisweight and sent his iron ball down upon the head of the nearest skitterik.The ball crushed the head to a pulp and the skitterik fell to the ground in a

black heap. Before its rider could dismount, Pylos struck out, throwinghis sword like a dagger. The blade sliced into the Ghuls belly. Moments

later the rider burst out in flames, much to the surprise of Sefar andGunther.How did you do that? Gunther asked, amazed at the sight of the

burning Ghul.I dont know, said Pylos as he rushed over to retrieve his blade.

They just do that.No they dont! cried Sefar who was hacking at a Ghul soldier who

refused to die despite receiving numerous fatal blows.Gunther was having a little more success. His iron ball had crushed

the heads of three of the Ghul near him they would not be getting back up. As much as Pylos disliked Gunther The mans an idiot heenjoyed fighting by his side. What Gunther lacked in style and grace, hemade up for in sheer power. There was no economy to his movement.He was a juggernaut. He had been hit numerous times by the Ghularound him but their blades of bone smashed to splinters on his armouredskin.

Gerriod, Trypp, Mulupo and Remiel had jumped to their feet and pulled out the weapons they had chosen for the mission. This eclecticgroup had one thing in common they had no experience in handling aweapon. Gerriod wielded a Kobold axe which he had selected because itreminded him of the hatchet he had used to chop firewood back in Palia.Trypp carried a slingshot and although he had never used such a weapon

before, he displayed a proficiency with it that was quite astounding.Whilst he would not kill their enemies with the slingshot, he managed to


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absence of snorse flesh, it let loose a roar that suggested its irascibletemper had just taken a turn for the worse.

Pylos lashed out at the great beast before it could focus upon one of his companions. As sharp as his sword was, it just bounced off thecarnopods thick hide. The beast bellowed at Pylos and snapped at himwith its sharp jaws. He jumped back, but tripped over his feet in the rushto avoid the teeth bearing down on him. The jaws snapped shut inchesaway from his chest.

Pylos hit the ground hard and his sword fell from his grasp. The

carnopod leapt forward and placed its thick front leg upon the Helyansstomach. With a crazed stare and salivating jaws, the carnopod slowlylifted its head back. Pylos could see what it intended it meant to skewer him on the end of this horn and there was nothing he could do to avoid it.His hands felt around for his sword but it was beyond his reach. He wasdefenceless. The carnopod brought its horn down.

Pylos view of the rapidly descending horn was momentarilyobscured by a dark shape. It was Trypp. He had smothered the Helyans

body and taken the full force of the blow. He grunted in pain as the

carnopods horn smashed into his shell. It didnt pierce the thick chitin, but the force of the impact was incredible. Trypp rolled off Pylos themoment the carnopod stepped back to deal with the other members of thecompany that had rushed in to help Pylos.

Gerriod chopped at one of the carnopods stubby legs whilst Sefar and Remiel struck at its face with their blades. Gunther brought hisheavy iron ball down upon the carnopods right flank in an attempt to

break its ribs. None of these attacks did anything more than enrage the beast further. It lashed out at them with its savage jaws, unable toconcentrate upon a single attacker. Each blow it received drew itsattention so it snapped alternately at Gerriod, Remiel, Sefar and Gunther as they took turns at delivering their attacks. It was a short-term strategy.They were doing little damage to the carnopod. Sooner or later, the beastwould snag one of them with its sharp teeth and there would be noescaping a bloody end.

Mulupo took an entirely different approach to fighting the carnopod.He clambered up one of the stone pillars and thrust his arm into a holethat lay at the top. He lay there atop the obelisk feeling around furiously.

What are you doing? Pylos called to the Spriggan. The Helyan haddragged Trypp to one side where they lay curled up under one of thestone obelisks. Neither of them was in any condition to return to the fray.

These stone plinths are actually granite agglomerates, piecedtogether by the stonemites that use them as hives, Mulupo answered,wincing in pain as he pushed his hand further into the mound. Stonemite


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after stonemite bit into his arm as he rummaged about in their nest. Thenafter an agonizingly long time, his groans and shrieks of pain were

punctuated by a cry of triumph. His arm shot out of the nest and in hishand he held a bug as large as his head, a dark green creature with amassive abdomen.

Mulupo jumped from the stone pillar onto the back of the broad-shouldered carnopod. He pointed the abdomen of the bug at thecarnopods head. The stonemite quivered for a second and then a highlynoxious ejaculation of bright yellow liquid burst forth from its body.

The carnopod roared as the stonemites secretion spilled over itshead. The behemoth twisted around and snapped at Mulupo but it couldnot reach him with its jaws. It bucked and jumped but could not removethe Spriggan who continued to press on the stonemite in his hands,spraying the yellow fluid all over the carnopods hide.

The beast continued to roar but its ululations were soon drowned out by a deep rumbling sound filling the air. It grew so loud that even thecarnopod stopped its frantic attempts to remove Mulupo. The ground

began to shake. The shingles at their feet bounced about as the rumbling

grew to deafening proportions.Suddenly all around them the stone obelisks erupted as countlessstonemites burst from their nests. They scurried down the stone pillarsand swarmed across the ground, converging on the carnopod. Thousandsupon thousands of stonemites crawled up onto the beast, summoned bythe yellow secretion Mulupo had sprayed over its skin.

Mulupo leapt from the back as the carnopod moments before thestonemites covered the beast like a shroud. The beast bellowed and

jumped about but it could not remove the stonemites. It rammed into thestone pillars trying to scrape the carpet of bugs off its hide, but it was afutile task.

Interesting idea Mulupo, Sefar said as he helped the Spriggan to hisfeet, but all I think theyre doing is making it madder.

We shall see, said the Spriggan sagely. He looked up to the skyand smiled.

Sefar followed his gaze. The slapping sound of hundreds of wingscould be heard between the carnopods raucous bellowing and then themoons were covered in darkness as if a thick, black cloud had covered thesky.

What is it? Sefar asked Mulupo whose knowing smile had notfaded from his face.

We all have our predators, Sefar. The stonemites is the durnodaw.As if having some prescient awareness of the fate of the carnopod,

the shatterbugs that had lit the strange scene scattered, giving the crazed


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beast a wide berth as the flock of durnodaws descended. The sharp- beaked birds were driven into a feeding frenzy in the presence of multitudinous stonemites. They hammered away at the bugs covering thecarnopod. More and more birds attached themselves to the beast. Its coatof stonemites quickly became one of black feathers and silver beaks. Thedurnodaws continued to spear down from the sky, all focused upon thecarnopod, like a hundred arrows all aimed at the one target.

In time, the bellowing stopped and the carnopods massive bodydropped to the floor of the Stone Forest. Those beaks usually break

stone, Mulupo noted. The carnopod had no chance.

A groan as long as it was deep drifted out of a nearby ditch to their left.A dark shape rose out of it. Pylos and Sefar drew their weapons andtrained them on the figure.

Put away your weapons! a thin, articulate voice barked. It wasMaeldune. In the wan light of the few shatterbugs that had not flown off into the night, his face looked pale and drawn.

Sefar returned his scimitar to its scabbard but Pylos kept his bladedrawn. What were you doing Maeldune? You were on guard. Fallasleep?

I was hit from behind. Maeldunes right hand was plastered to the back of his head where the blow had landed.

I wonder whether it was prudent to leave our pernoctation in thehands of the Acoran, commented Mulupo. He turned boldly toMaeldune and added, And I mean that pejoratively of course.

Hit but not killed Maeldune? grunted Gunther suspiciously.I thought the Acora had excellent hearing, added Pylos echoing

Gunthers tone.It was my hearing that saved me Pylos. I moved a second before a

Ghuls club came down upon my skull. I should be dead. As if tocorroborate his story, Maeldune held out his right hand. It was covered in

blood. I have no recollection of what followed, but I assume we wereattacked and somehow survived.

Thats right, Pylos said without any sympathy for the Acoran.Gerriod was huddled over Trypp who had sat himself up against a

stone pillar. Are you alright Trypp? the mariner asked.I will be.Can you walk? Pylos asked the Sapphyrran. I dont think it wise

to stay here in case another carnopod picks up the smell of the snorses.Yes, I can walk, said Trypp stoically.


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The company quickly shouldered their belongings and moved off into the deeper darkness of the forest. They were bruised and sore butalive. As he helped Trypp to his feet, Gerriod looked at the grouphobbling off into the forest of rock. You know, I didnt think so before

but nowNow what? asked the Sapphyrran.Now I think theres a small chance we might actually stand a

chance. We might actually succeed.

Pylos woke early, disturbed by a strange rumbling sound. At first hethought the noise was coming from beneath him and in his state of half-sleep, images of the Ghul burrowing up from beneath him flooded his

brain.Again the sound played in his ears and he realised that it was not so

much a rumble as a gurgle. He opened his eyes and turned his head to hisleft. There, in the dull light before dawn, he could make out the figure of Gerriod Blake, lying awake with his hands behind his head. The gurgling

sounded again, this time much louder than before.Was that your stomach? Pylos asked.Yes, Gerriod answered tentatively, his speech little more than a

whisper; whether he kept his voice down out of embarrassment or concern for the others who were still asleep wasnt obvious. Imhungry.

We ate yesterday at lunch, Pylos said perfunctorily, as if to suggestthat this should be more than enough to sustain a person for a day or two.

Exactly, replied Gerriod who was accustomed to three squaremeals a day (and a few bites to make the gaps between bearable).

Pylos thought about this a moment and then suggested with a happylook, Lets go hunting!

Gerriod followed in Pylos footsteps as the lithe Helyan darted throughthe grey obelisks of the forest. The sun had not yet risen and the subduedlight of fading night gave the area an ethereal quality. Gerriods mindwandered back to Palia, to the ancient cemetery that sat on the hilloverlooking the sleepy hamlet where he had been raised. The biolithsresembled the headstones that had so captured his interest as a child. Hewould come to the graveyard on the few days his father did not take the

boat out and sit quietly, surrounded by the granite tributes to those whohad died. The headstones stuck out of the ground like bookmarks to the


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Gerriod scanned the area for a suitable stone to place in hisslingshot. He could take his time. The flocks movement through the skywas ponderously slow. They were still well within range.

He took aim at the nearest swiggu. It was no coincidence that it wasalso the fattest he was really hungry.

The sound of the slingshot whipping around and around was etchedupon the quiet of the morning. And then all sound ceased as the

projectile was released.The swiggu did not even have time to squeal. The rock slammed

into the side of its pink head. Moments later its plump body landed in thespace between the mariner and the soldier.Pylos waited for a smug look to alight on Gerriods face. He didnt

have to wait long. A mischievous glint in Gerriods eyes was a precursor to a succession of comments that made Pylos regret he had evensuggested the morning hunt.

I just cant believe you missed! Gerriod chortled.Everyone misses from time to time, Gerriod.But not you! Youre a Helyan! You can hit a Ghul with your

sword at a distance of twenty feet.So?And youre the General! Youre the best of the best.So?A near miss I could understand, but you missed by at least ten feet.

Im not even sure which one you were aiming at. Was it the one at thefront of the flock or the one at the back?

Could we drop this please?The swiggu didnt even know youd thrown anything at them!I am not proficient at knife-throwing.Not proficient! Pylos, you were terrible.The Helyans fingers twitched as he tried to control his mounting

anger.Relax General, Gerriod laughed, acutely aware of Pylos mood. If

we do get into another fight which seems more than likely theres no-one else Id rather have watching my back.

Pylos was dumbstruck. After the parade of thinly-veiled insults, itwas a most unexpected comment.

Gerriod bent down and slung the dead swiggu over his back. As hemoved off through the stone pillars, he called over his shoulder, You

better run back and get your knife. Well need it to carve up our breakfast.


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Are you wondering how the Ghul found us in this maze of stone?Gerriod was carving up the meat whilst Pylos sat nearby turning a

pebble over and over in his hand as he stared blankly at the other members of the company who were still asleep under their cloaks.

That has been on my mind, Pylos whispered as he turned to faceGerriod, but that wasnt what I was thinking about. Something else is

bothering me. Something Jehenna said.Maeldunes wife?Yes. She said that the Acoran archers had killed many Ghul at the

breach near Lucien.I remember.Yet I have spoken to countless others who have claimed that the

Ghul could not be killed. Look what happened tonight. Sefar hackedaway at the Ghul with as much fury as I could muster, and yet only youand I were able to slay them.

Gunther managed to kill them too.Yes, but only by smashing their heads into tiny pieces. I wonder

how he would have fared with a sword. The Acora killed many Ghul, but

the Sessymirians couldnt. The Ankarans couldnt. Even the Pryderiwho tried using magick against the Ghul quickly learnt they couldnt killthem. But in Sulis that night of the first attack, I lost count of how manyhad fallen under my blade.

Maybe its not us, Gerriod said, thinking aloud. Maybe its our weapons.

Pylos considered this. He frowned momentarily and then hiseyebrows raised as he saw something that had been staring back at himfor months. Of course! Pylos exclaimed. I am so dull. Why did I notsee it earlier? It is so obvious!

See what exactly? asked Gerriod.Pylos pulled out his sword and showed Gerriod the blade. It was not

the shiny silver of most swords the metal was dull and black.Shatterstone! Its made of shatterstone, as are the heads of the Acorasarrows. He reached over and picked up Gerriods axe. This is also madefrom shatterstone! The Helyan laughed loudly, not caring whether hewoke his companions. I had to fight with the Helyan Senate for weeksto get them to approve the acquisition of a small complement of shatterstone swords. Very expensive, but worth every coin.

He twisted onto his knees and started rolling up his blanket.What are you doing? Gerriod asked intrigued by Pylos erratic

behaviour.Im going.Where?


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Back to Cessair. I have to let the Chamberlain know. This isimportant.

Youre not going anywhere General.It was Maeldune, standing imperiously behind Pylos.Pylos stood up and faced Maeldune who stood a full foot taller than

the Helyan. What do you mean?Maeldunes cold, grey eyes bored into Pylos scarred face. He

paused a long time before answering, as if to remind Pylos who was incommand of the mission. I would have thought my statement was plain

enough to avoid repeating General. You are not abandoning thismission.You know this information will save lives. I must return to Cessair

so others Myrrans can protect themselves. If I can get word to the other companies

You will throw away the only advantage we have. I agree that thisis a significant discovery if it bears out but it will not stop Caliban,nor will it stop the march of the Ghul. There is not enough shatterstone inthe entire world to match blades with the Ghul. We have a mission to

complete. I shouldnt have to remind you of your duty.Maeldune was shrewd. He knew using words such as mission andduty would weaken Pylos opposition. But the Helyan pursued hiscourse. Are you insane Maeldune? We have two other squads for thisvery eventuality. They can continue the mission.

Maeldune stepped forward so that Pylos had to crane his head back to maintain eye contact with the Acoran. And what if they cant finishthe mission General? Have you thought of that? What if we are the onlyones left? Every day hundreds of lives are lost. Are you willing to acceptthose deaths for the days we would lose should we return to Cessair?

Im not asking you to come with me, Pylos snarled.Maeldune stepped away before answering. Pylos had all but

declared his animosity towards the Acoran. Years of politicalmanoeuvring told Maeldune to change tactics. He could achieve thehigher ground by backing down. His voice softened and he dropped hisgaze so that it rested at Pylos feet. But I am asking you to stay, Pylos.You are second-in-command of this squad. Should I die, which is morethan likely given my lack of skill with a weapon, you must take the helm.Who else can? The Spriggan? The priest? Gerriod? We stand no hopeof success should you leave.

Confusion settled upon Pylos brow. The change in Maeldunestemperament was unexpected and he was not sure how to respond to it.Minister, I fully intend to return to the company and continue themission.


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Maeldune nodded, accepting the explanation. I believe you Pylos, but I fear there would be no mission to return to. I would not dare hopethat we could survive out here without you. There is much at stake here are you willing to risk it all?

Pylos did not answer immediately. He had always consideredhimself a conservative when it came to military decisions. Years of respecting by a chain-of-command fought against the necessity of lettingthe world know of the vulnerability he had discovered in the Ghul. TheChamberlains final words rang in his ears:

May I emphasize the fact that the companies have one primary goal the death of Caliban If we cut off the head, the body should die. He was inspired by these words at the time, but now he found them

to be a millstone around his neck. Very well. I will stay.

Dawn broke and the smell of fried swiggu quickly woke the other members of the company. The low-lying sun painted the eastern side of the stone obelisks a luminous orange.

Pylos and Gunther consulted an old map of the Stone Forest Pyloshad obtained before leaving Cessair. Whilst the map was extremelycrude lacking in precise topographical detail, it did supply the two menwith enough points of reference to work out how far they had come andwhere to head next.

If that last gully was this river bed here, Pylos said pointing to athin broken line on the map, we should be eight leagues from the ScarletRock Theatre.

Then we should turn north. If we can exit the forest here, Gunther said placing a metal coated finger onto the map, we should find a paththat brings us up onto the plateau. At our current pace we should reachthe theatre shortly after nightfall tomorrow.

Pylos agreed with Gunthers calculations but was in two minds as towhether it was wise to stray so close to the theatre. He was reluctant toreveal their whereabouts especially when they had been found so easily

by the Ghul the night before.I doubt Caliban has any Tethran spies, Gunther said in response to

Pylos concerns, and anyway, hed be hard put to find us amongst thethousands of people who attend the Scarlet Theatre every night.

Pylos could see his point. He had visited the theatre years beforeand knew that Gunther wasnt exaggerating. The massive open-air amphitheatre could seat at least ten thousand spectators and drew suchcrowds every night. They should be safe there.


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The light of day was beginning to fade when they put the Stone Forest behind them. Gunther had found a shelp-track which cut back andforward across the face of the steep incline up onto the Ganesa Plateau.The track was quite wide and well-used. It was not uncommon for theshelp-herders on the plateau to bring their flocks down to the edge of theStone Forest in search of the moss and roots the animals ate.

Before ascending the escarpment, Gunther made a simple brewconsisting of rock-moss and what was left of his personal store of water.

The intoxicating aroma of the boiling drink hung deliciously in the air.It seems simple doesnt it, but few people can pull off this brew. If the heat is just slightly wrong, you get undrinkable sludge. But if you getit right he paused to sniff his concoction and smiled broadly youget this! It takes effect almost immediately.

Youre getting drunk? Gerriod gasped.Mulupo looked up at the Tethran with imploring eyes. Captain

Ross, I seem to have exhausted my supplies of water, but beingsomewhat partial to the joys of a well-constructed beverage I am

wondering whether it would be beyond you to consider the possibility of allowing me to partake in sampling that most potable substance you holdin your hands.

Spriggan, Gunther said brusquely, its a good thing I dontunderstand you, because if I thought for a second that you were trying tosnaffle some of my brew, youd be wearing my iron knuckles on your face.

Mulupo paused. He shifted his weight from hoof to hoof as hedecoded the linguistic variables of the Tethrans response. Ah, I see thatyou have responded to my humble request in the negative, sir.

Youre a clever fella, grunted Gunther as he took a long swing of his drink. He stood up and burped.

Pylos eyed the Tethran critically. Gunther, youre no good to usdrunk.

Ah, dont be so uptight Pylos. Anyways, Im a better fighter whenIm fuddled.

Gunther made his way over to the shelp-track, slid on a small rock and crashed down on Mulupo, who had followed him closely, enjoyingthe smell of the rock-moss brew.

Mulupo was pinned under Gunthers substantial weight. TheTethran just lay looking up at the sky laughing. Whoa! Thats quite a

brew! Gunther chortled. Getting up this here track might be a struggle.He heaved himself back on to his feet, and gave a shallow apology to the


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Spriggan who felt as if his every bone had been crushed under Guntherssteel and iron-plated body.

As it was, they made good time up the escarpment, despite Gunther Rossstate. On a number of occasions Pylos thought the Tethran was going towalk right of the edge of the cliff, especially towards the end of the ascentwhen thick clouds rolled in, hiding the Myrs moons.

At one point on the journey, the clouded sky above the plateau was

lit up. What was that? Sefar asked the group but no-one had an answer.They knew it wasnt lightning as the clouds had been lit from below.It came from the plateau, observed Remiel.Perhaps it was a beacon flare, suggested Gerriod. We use them on

stormy nights on Lake Erras.Sefar shook his head. That was no beacon.I wouldnt worry, slurred Gunther. Its probably some dramatic

trick from the Theatre. Something to amuse the opera-buffs.I dont think so, Remiel said quietly.

Pylos turned to Maeldune. What about our leader? Minister, whatdo you think?Before the Acoran could answer, the sky lit up again.Lets just keep moving, Maeldune grunted. He had said very little

since the Ghul attack. Pylos assumed this was due to embarrassment over his lack of participation in the fight, but something told the Helyan therewas more to it than that.

A short time later, the light flashed for the third and final time andRemiel winced. Whats wrong? Trypp asked.

Remiels eyes were closed and his head slightly cocked to one side.When his eyes opened, his pupils were dilated and his face was flushed.His temples pulsated as if his veins were about to explode. On the edgeof my hearing, I thought I heard His voice faded, as if his thoughtswere too dreadful to mention.

Thought you heard what? whispered Trypp, aware that Remiel wasstruggling with whatever was running through his mind.

I thought I could hear thousands of voices, crying out at once.Do you hear them now?Remiel closed his eyes again, listened, then shook his head. No,

nothing.Maeldune? Pylos asked, sure if anyone else could hear what

Remiel heard, it would be an Acoran.Maeldune shrugged to indicate he hadnt heard a thing.


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As they neared the top of the shelp-track, another noise stopped the partyin their tracks. It was Gerriod who first noted the booming sound thatwas sounding at rhythmic intervals every few seconds. What is thatsound? Its like thunder, but He turned to Pylos who had beenwalking alongside him for the last part of the journey. Is it the Colossi,moving across the plateau?

Pylos gave the mariner a warm smile. Yes, it is.Why do they move?

I have been told they forage for food.What does something so large eat?Overhearing the conversation, Gunther chimed in. They eat

durnodaw eggs. Its all part of the chain. The stonemites eat the rock.The durnodaws eat the stonemites and the Colossi eat the durnodaw.

But the durnodaw is not much bigger than an ordinary bird.A single durnodaw lays thousands of eggs. They hide them under

the red dirt of the plateau, but the Colossi can always sniff them out.Im glad Im not a durnodaw, Gerriod said as the pounding steps of

the Colossi shook his body.

When they reac

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Into the Endless